Allium cristophii

No garden is complete without the sparkling giant starry globes of Allium cristophii. Bursting through your borders between May and June, these fabulous flowers shine through the spring and summer colour gap, bridging the seasons seamlessly together with confidence and style. The flower heads of the impressive 'Star of Persia' blooms reach up to around 25cm in diameter and sit at the top of sturdy, tall stems, so they’re great for grouping together in the border where they can bob above neighbouring foliage and flowers. Providing two looks in one plant, once the shiny purple colour begins to fade you’re left with gorgeous golden seedheads which continue the season of interest right into summer!

If you like to pick flowers from the garden to make indoor arrangements, Allium cristophii is an essential staple. The big flowers create an instant, grand display with the minimum of growing fuss. With lengthy, strong stems, they’re great for showing off in a tall glass vase, but just as good bunched together with a mix of other flowers. Allium cristophii are fully hardy, low-maintenance and very reliable, so all you have to do is plant them in the autumn and look forward to their amazing show every year – it’s like a gift that keeps on giving!